The Côte Roannaise appellation of the Loire Valley, almost unknown outside France, delivers impressive wines at great prices. The historic, 35-hectare Domaine Sérol located just 70 km west of Beaujolais, is the iconic estate of this appellation. The vineyards of Domaine Sérol, planted at a density of 8,500 vines per hectare, are trained with single Guyot pruning on steep, granite-rich slopes at altitudes between 400 and 550 meters.
Stéphane and Carine Sérol are the fifth-generation custodians of this biodynamic and organically certified estate. They produce fresh, vibrant, and mineral wines from the local Gamay Saint Romain grape using natural fermentations that result in refreshing, structured wines with a delicate use of oak.
The history of Domaine Sérol dates back to the 17th century. When Stéphane took over in 1996, the estate comprised just 12 hectares. Under his leadership, along with his wife Carine, the estate has expanded, and they have transitioned to organic and biodynamic farming, fully certified by Ecocert, to preserve and enhance the terroir’s natural qualities.
In the winery, Domaine Sérol employs a range of innovative techniques designed to enhance the expression of their unique terroir. All wines undergo spontaneous fermentation over ambient yeasts, which helps preserve the natural flavors and complexity of the grapes. Many wines are vinified and aged in amphorae, providing gentle oxygenation that contributes to a refined texture without imparting strong oak flavors. Whole bunch fermentation is used for some wines to add structure and depth, and sulphur use is kept to a minimum to ensure the wines remain vibrant and true to their origin.
